JUST JUNIORS JOURNAL

New look.
New writers.
Same attitude.


Issue #21
Series 2
September 2001

"When duty rumbles low, Thou must,
The youth replies, I can."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

The
KID GUY

and the
Southern Girl

Part One: Michelle

TAKING IT CROSS-COUNTRY
You may have noticed the new look that the Just Juniors Journal has. This is because the group will be taking a new direction for the future.
Starting in August, Lou established a new e-mail list for the LS Kids. The list, lskjjj@yahoogroups.com, will be used by the LS Kids to communicate, turn in articles, and update themselves on projects and events.
Using the list, the LS Kids will be taking in new members, from other areas, not just Lock Haven. I am the first one, reporting from Slatington, Pennsylvania. We now have a member from California, and we will hopefully be adding new members as time goes on. They will be called Distant Correspondents, and will report on things happening in their areas.
The new look for the JJJ is meant to reflect this. "I wanted a new, cyber-like look," said Lou. "So I changed the opening bars to the new metallic image, and adjusted a few other things."
The JJJ will be written in three sections: Local, National, and Features. The kids will be reporting in all three.
But you can still expect the same fun, cool stuff that's always been in the JJJ.
-Amber Fleming
-Correspondent

LOCAL

OLD FRIENDS
An old member of the LS Kids group has made a reappearance recently. Jason Long, founding member of the kids under the old regime, dropped by to visit Lou on the 25th of August.
"I'd heard some things had changed," Jason, now 21, said. "I'm interested in seeing just how much."
Jason was the first President of the group, serving two terms, 1997 and 1998. He was replaced by his Vice-President, John Mayes, in 1999.
Jason is currently a secondary education major at Lock Haven University.
-Ginger White
-Staff

REGATTA UPCOMING
The Annual Labor Day Regatta is coming soon, and everyone is excited. This year, we are planning to work with the Horizon House, a local homeless shelter.
The Regatta usually has the same types of events as a small Fair. This year, it runs from September first to the third.
-Vesta Jones
-President

NATIONAL

TO HELP THE CHILDREN
Not too long ago, six young children were taken from their home in Nebraska by social workers. An eight year old, six year old, five year old, four year old, two year old, and twenty month old child were victims of abuse.Their stepfather tortured them with a cattle prod.
These children were placed in state-ordered foster care due to their stepfather's abusive behavior.
Now, these young children are left with nothing. Carrie Sheldon, their social worker, has made a request for donations.
The LS Kids are going to be donating several sizes of clothing, donated to them by the family of Staci Wyland, LS Kid External Vice-President.
The children were a variety of sizes, from 3T to 9/10. Toys are also greatly appreciated.
To make a donation, please send to Carrie Sheldon, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, 205 West First Street, Grand Island, Nebraska 68801.
-Staci Wyland
-Staff

FEATURES


TO VESTA, FROM YOU
By Vesta
Dear Vesta,
Hey, you realize it's our anniversary? We met three years ago this month. I have to say, I'm glad I picked you up for the group, kid. You've been wonderful.
-Lou, Lock Haven


The best friendship anyone could have. Three years and not one fight, even when we have different opinions.
Lou listens to all my problems, gives good advice, and is a confidence booster. I help him a lot, too.
He couldn't ever run away. I'd track him down. And in three years, he still hasn't learned that I'm actually forgetful. He still has to call and remind me stuff.
-Vesta Jones
-President
To write to Vesta, send e-mails to lskjjj@yahoogroups.com.


POETRY CORNER
By Brenda
For Keepsies
As the days go by,
In and out,
Not a minute goes by,
Where I don't think of you.
I love the feeling
Of knowing you're there,
That you love me and adore me
And really do care.
It's a special thing,
All the emotions we share,
Projects, fun and ideas,
And all else we might dare.
So as I lay down
And ready myself to sleep,
I remember you're a true one,
A friend I can keep.
-Brenda Geyer
-Staff


ADORE IT/DEPLORE IT
By Ginger
Adore It: Adoration to Chicago Tribune columnist Bob Greene. Aside from being an excellent journalist and an example for us up-and-coming writers, Greene dedicates an astounding number of his columns to the cause of child abuse. For a look at his writing, check out www.chicagotribune.com/greene.
Deplore It: Zero Tolerance is deplorable. It's one of those ideas that looks good on paper, but the actuality leaves a lot to be desired. Students have been expelled for carrying nailfiles, letter openers, and wallet chains. Also for drawing pictures of guns, and pointing a finger and saying "Bang."
Zero Tolerance would work well if it were used for genuine threats. But will a picture of a gun kill? Can these principals really say they never played Cops 'N' Robbers? Zero Tolerance would be better if it were fueled by common sense, rather than paranoia.
-Ginger White
-Staff

The Just Juniors Journal Is:
Editor: Lou
President, Ethical Advisor: Vesta Jones
IVP: Brenda Geyer
EVP: Staci Wyland
Secretary: Debbie Benfield
Staff: Nickole Vincent, Justin Shady, Ginger White
Renovo Bureau: Sarah Wilson, Meghan Wilson
Distant Correspondents: Amber Fleming, Valerie


ENDNOTE
By Lou

I have this friend. Her name is Michelle.
Michelle is from Georgia. I met her three years ago, over the Internet. Since then, we've become close friends.
I call Michelle up all the time, and we talk on the phone. She doesn't get mad at me for doing it at three in the morning, either. We talk and laugh together, and I always feel a little sad hanging up at the end of the conversation.
See, the thing is, I like Michelle. We get along well. I like that we laugh at the same things, and that she giggles at nearly everything I say. I like her cute Southern accent, and the fact that it gets thicker when she's not thinking about it. ("Y'all are always callin' me all the tahm.")
I like that her birthday is coming up, and how much that bothers her. I think it's adorable that she gets jealous over her dog. I think it's funny that she's afraid to fry food.
Michelle was the person I called to talk the night I left my old organization. She always makes me feel better. When a friend of mine died of AIDS, Michelle was there for me. When things are going well and I just want to laugh, she's there for me then, too.
Michelle is one of the sweetest, kindest people I've ever known. In the time we've known each other, we've become very close, mostly through long-distance telephone calls.
I wanted to give Michelle something for her birthday, something to show her just how deeply I feel about her. I wanted to do something special.
So, here it is.
Happy birthday, Michelle.
Will you marry me?
-Lou
-To have and to hold; till death do us part